Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin MEP
Martina Anderson has stated that the European Union needs revolutionary
change in its approach to the ongoing humanitarian refugee crisis.

Speaking from Brussels, Martina Anderson MEP stated;

"A humanitarian
crisis has existed at the borders of the EU for years. The spread of
armed conflict across North Africa and the Middle East has led directly
to the current humanitarian crisis.

"Several EU member
states were directly involved in these conflicts and have a moral
responsibility to offer all necessary assistance.

"The alarming
practices of the worst excesses of the European Union has been to close
borders, build fences, arm FRONTEX, confiscate property, detain,
fingerprint and scapegoat refugees for having the audacity
to try and survive.

"Safe and legal
routes need to be immediately opened, allowing each member state to play
their fair part in addressing this crisis."

MEP Anderson, a member of the European Parliament committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs continued;

"Since the start of
this year alone, 320 people have died in one small part of the Aegean,
fleeing war in Syria, Iraq, southern Turkey and Afghanistan.

"Sinn Féin
welcomes today's ceasefire announcement in Syria and we welcome all
steps to resolve conflict by peaceful, inclusive discussions.

"The Turkish
government must immediately halt military operations against the
civilian population of the Kurdish region and take necessary steps
towards a meaningful, lasting ceasefire and peace initiative.

"Sinn Féin
also welcomes the initial postponement of the eviction notice served on
the Calais refugee camp, referred to as the 'Jungle'. Evicting asylum
seekers and destroying the camp will only make conditions
worse for those people. I support fully the charities and residents of
the camp who are challenging the eviction notice.

"This weekend
demonstrations are being held across Europe in support of the concept of
'Safe and Legal' routes being opened for refugees and asylum seekers.

"Not only would this
concept allow states to record and adequately look after refugees that
enter their territory, it could see the end of unnecessary deaths in the
Mediterranean and Aegean.

"The European
Union needs revolutionary change in its approach, away from the
indifference of 'Fortress Europe' towards safe passage and a human
approach to the humanitarian crisis at its borders." ENDS